jonone 1 (2014) Drawing by Jonone

JonOne, born as John Andrew Perello in 1963 and also known as Jon156, is a contemporary American graffiti artist whose journey has taken him from the vibrant streets of New York to the artistic hub of Paris. Hailing from the bustling neighborhood of Harlem, New York, JonOne's fascination with street art was kindled in his youth as he witnessed the vivid graffiti and tags adorning subway cars and city walls. The vibrant, dynamic cityscape became his canvas, and the colorful tags that adorned it ignited his passion for art. At the tender age of 17, he embarked on his journey into the world of graffiti, collaborating with his childhood friend "White Man" to create his distinctive tag - "Jon156." He left his mark on the walls and trains in his neighborhood, contributing to the ever-evolving graffiti landscape. To him, the subway was not just a mode of transportation; it was a moving museum that traversed the heart of the city.

In 1984, JonOne founded the graffiti collective "156 All Starz" as a means of uniting fellow artists who shared his passion for painting subway cars under the veil of darkness, an activity that helped them cope with the challenges they faced, including drug use. During this time, he crossed paths with the artist Bando, who was living in New York. An invitation from Bando prompted JonOne's relocation to the enchanting city of Paris in 1987.

In the midst of the Parisian art scene, JonOne began to transition his craft from the streets to the canvas. His artistic journey found a home at the Hospital Ephemeral, a building turned squat for artists in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Here, JonOne honed his skills and collaborated with fellow artists like A-One, Sharp, Ash (Victor Ash), Jayone, and Skki. His vibrant works on canvas soon garnered attention in the Parisian art circles, and he held notable exhibitions, including one at Gallery 45 Gleditsch in Berlin in 1990 and "Graffiti Paris" on rue Chapon in Paris.

A turning point in JonOne's career came in 2007 when his artwork, "Match Point," a large canvas he created at the Hospital Ephemeral in 1993, went under the hammer at an Artcurial auction. It fetched an impressive €24,800, setting a record for the artist and marking the highest bid ever for a graffiti artwork in France. JonOne's artistic evolution continued, as he collaborated with Didier Marien from the Boccara Gallery on a significant series of street art rugs, further enriching his creative portfolio.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1963
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists

The Artist was highlighted in an article in ArtMajeur Magazine:

JonOne: Evolution from Harlem to Paris